I See Magic

January 18, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

History came to life the first time I set foot upon the walled city of Chester, UK. I was ten, and my father had brought the whole family to the place of his upbringing. I knew from my schooling all about walled cities, and quickly rambled off facts, my mind exploding as the revelations unfolded. […]

Indian Point Park

January 17, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

“I know you said you wanted to rest today, but do you think we could take a little drive?” I’m back in Texas and the weather could not be better – 24 degrees celsius with clear blue skies. Tomorrow’s forecast is overcast and chillier. My trigger finger is anxious to get the camera going again. […]

Landed

January 15, 2019.Reading time 1 minute.

The travel angels saw me home safely, even ensuring I had a whole row of seats to myself on the flight – a gift to someone wary of germs and overpowering scents. The excitement of being back on the canal and immersed in milder temperatures overrides this total exhaustion. I slept on and off for […]

Bedside Conversations

January 8, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

“Mom, I want you to know that I don’t harbour any ill will toward our past. If I seek to know what happened, it is only to understand myself so that I might heal.” Mom nods, considers my words. “There is so much I could have done differently.” “No. You did what you could with […]

And So, We Turn the Page

January 6, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

Years gather as links in a chain, some unremarkable, some adorned with jewels, and some bearing the marks of hardship. 2018, for me, would have an arrow shaped charm, pointing upwards, as this year heralded many firsts – a rebirth of sorts. For 2019, I pray to keep the momentum rolling – that I will […]

Plans Change

January 3, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

‘Transition’ is the focus of my challenge this week. At the time of composing, I thought I would be reviewing last year’s lessons and gifts and preparing myself to greet the new. Life, of course, seldom fits into our neatly packaged plans. As I write this, I’m sitting in a hotel room, with my alarm […]

A Day of Intended Rest

January 2, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

A day of rest is on the docket, and I ponder whether or not to get dressed, but when I open the blinds, the heron is in attendance, and not long after I hear his throaty alarm. A Great Egret has decided to show up also, so I get dressed and grab my camera. A […]

Disappointment, and then…

January 1, 2019.Reading time 6 minutes.

I don’t get to sleep till after 3:00; he wakes up at 4:30. At 7:30 we both decide to try again, so by the time we are ready to do anything, it is late morning. “Why don’t we go out for breakfast?” We pick a restaurant nearby that looks like it would have all day […]

Goose Island State Park

December 29, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

It is a beautiful day, with sunny skies and a light breeze, and we are late getting away, so decide to stick close to home in our explorations. Goose Island State Park fits the bill. Just north of where we are staying, the park lies on the coast between the waters of Aransas and St […]

Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge

December 27, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

“What kind of camera is that?” “A Nikon.” “What are you doing?” “Taking pictures of the birds. Do you like birds?” “Yes. Which ones?” Our inquisitor is no more than five, a tiny boy in blue windbreaker, jeans and running shoes. He climbs atop a wooden bench to get a better look. “Whoa, there are […]

Chickadees in the House

A friend from my poetry circle honoured me with a birdhouse painted with Ukrainian colours. John has since passed away, and this summer we were finally able to give the birdhouse a home in our garden. Happy to say, John, that the chickadees have settled in and I am joyfully reminded of you everyday.

This Life A Road

This life a road –the way preparedsigns to guide me,and still, I get lost. Construction, distraction,disobedience – throw me off –tendency to choose tougher routes,broken down and been sidelined And yet, the road still beckons,invites progression, thrills.A rolling stone gathers no moss,my father liked to say, and so… I push ahead, keep motoring,trust the obstacles […]